ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks to examine the evolution of the pro-Western orientation, and to highlight certain continuities in Turkish foreign and security policy over the last two hundred years. From the fourteenth to the nineteenth century, the Ottoman Empire governed parts of Europe, and became involved in the continent's affairs. It was thus the military defeats at the hands of Russia and Egypt that forced the Ottomans to change their foreign and security policy. At the same time, to compliment the pro-Western orientation in foreign policy, the Ottomans launched the Tanzimat, in order to reform and survive in the age of nationalism and imperialism. The deterioration of Turkish-Soviet relations marked an important turning point in the history of Turkish foreign and security policy in the twentieth century. Moreover, new developments in the Balkans, Eurasia and the Middle East presented Turkey with new opportunities but also new risks, insecurities and challenges.
